I've had a camera for as long as I remember. My first picture shows the legs of a woman and the back end of a dog. I was three and attempting to capture a Jack Russel, on a beach, with my father's old camera. It is thanks to my dad that I began this passion.
Growing up on the Pacific Coast of British Columbia provided a wealth of opportunities on my doorstep. Shapes, textures and colour patterns influence the way I see my world. There is a balance between nature and people in my work, although I gravitate more to the natural world for inspiration.
After inheriting a Yashika Rangefinder, I became the school yearbook photographer, and then took pictures of stage performances through university. Capturing people's personalities on 'film' still rocks. Recently, my partner's new interest in mountain biking has opened doors to creative portrait opportunities in the trail and competitive riding arenas.
One of my cameras is in my pocket all the time so much of my work is 'right place, right time'. These days, mobile phone and social media technology is such that we have access to instant editing software. I try to maintain a balance between the 'immediate' shots and the more thoughtful 'old school' SLR approach.
Rasma Bertz joined Fine Art America on September 18th, 2014.
